CHAPTER 27: ATTRACTING A LEGENDARY RANK BEAR, 13 EPIC RANK BEASTS, ...

When they finally returned to the Steelheart Manor, James was greeted by Halden, who immediately approached him with a calm yet serious expression.

"Young Master, please wait here for a moment," Halden said, glancing toward the horizon. "The Duke is on his way back."

15 minutes later, Cassian came back and informed everyone of Peak Platinum Ranks and above that they would depart in 10 minutes.

There were 15 Peak Platinum Knights that were currently in the Steelheart Manor. Even though they had no idea why Duke Cassian told them to prepare themselves to go somewhere in 10 minutes, they directly adjusted their states to their peak.

In the training field, twenty people gathered in front of Cassian with a full spirit as if they were ready for a battle.

Excluding James, the group consisted of four Epic Knights and fifteen Peak Platinum Knights. The sheer strength concentrated in that single field could easily annihilate nearly any faction in the kingdom as long as they don’t have a Legendary-ranked Knight or Magician.

After a simple briefing, the group directly set out.

Because James was still far from strong enough to match their pace, he was carried on Nyxrael’s back. Though it felt slightly embarrassing, he didn’t protest, as he knew this wasn’t a leisurely journey.

Their movement was swift and silent, a blur of shadows streaking across the landscape.

Before long, they arrived at their destination. It was a massive waterfall cascading down the side of a jagged mountain.

He turned toward James and said with a calm expression. "We’ll do it here," Cassian said. "This place is far enough from the manor to avoid drawing attention, yet not deep enough into the Blackfang Mountains to risk unnecessary danger. The terrain also favors us, as it’s much easier to defend compared to an open field."

James nodded, understanding his father’s reasoning. The curtain of water before them shimmered like liquid crystal, concealing the dark hollow behind it.

Without hesitation, he stepped forward and entered the waterfall. The freezing water drenched him instantly, but he ignored it and continued inward.

The moment he was inside, he found a place to sit cross-legged before ordering the system. "Awaken the Eternal Chronovoid Physique now!"

Less than a second later, a deafening silence fell over the surrounding area as if even the sound of the waterfallwas gone in an instant. Following after that, a surge of otherworldly power exploded from within Ash’s body.

BOOM!

James suddenly felt an unknown energy begin to rampage throughout his entire body. He instantly tried his best to absorb the energy as fast as he could since every second that had passed, he felt that his body was about to burst into pieces.

His limbs twisted, bones cracked, flesh deformed, and muscles torn as the Eternal Chronovoid Physique was forcefully applied into his body.

"It’s started." Cassian said, knitting his eyebrows sharply.

The awakening of the Eternal Chronovoid Physique had begun.

The surrounding beasts sensed it immediately. From every direction, their roars echoed through the mountains, filled with fury, curiosity, and hunger. Cassian extended his perception, scanning the vast surroundings around them.

"A low-level Legendary-ranked bear," he murmured, his tone dropping cold. "Thirteen Epic-ranked beasts... and several dozen Platinum-ranked beasts. Fortunately, most of them are keeping their distance for now."

Nyxrael’s expression hardened. His blue eyes flickered faintly as he stepped forward. "Duke, I have a request."

Cassian looked at him briefly, signaling him to continue.

"Let me take the last strike for every kill," Nyxrael said, his voice steady. "I need their souls to strengthen my ultimate skill. With enough of them, especially the Legendary beast, I might be able to severely injure or even kill a low Legendary-rank enemy if the situation calls for it."

Cassian’s gaze rested on him for a moment, then gave a firm nod. "Fine. But don’t take unnecessary risks. I’ll handle the Legendary beast myself, and you focus on the strongest Epic-ranked one beside it."

"Understood." Nyxrael replied with a slight bow.

Cassian then turned to the others. "Gareth, you’ll take the two elephant beasts. Halden, the rhino is yours. Corvin, you deal with the lion."

"Yes, Duke!" The three knights straightened instantly and replied in unison.

Cassian’s gaze then shifted toward the remaining fifteen Platinum-ranked knights. Each stood at attention as if waiting for an order.

"Among you, two have fully mastered the Fifth Move—The King’s Advance." Cassian said. "You two will face a weak Epic-ranked beast each. You’ll be at a disadvantage, but I want you to fight with everything you have. Let the pressure push you beyond your limits."

The two knights grinned with fiery determination. "Understood!"

"Good." Cassian continued with a firm expression. "The next ten of you will form five pairs, one who has achieved great progress and one with minor progress in the Fifth Move. Each pair will fight a weak Epic-ranked beast. Treat this as a test of coordination and composure, as you will be at a disadvantage against a weak Epic-ranked beast."

The knights saluted with fierce spirit.

"As for the last three." Cassian said with a sharp gaze. "You will hold off another weak Epic-ranked beast."

"All of you, treat this as a training too while we’re at it, but do remember that your safety is more important, in case there’s something wrong, ask for help immediately."

"Understood, my lord!"

The air thickened with tension. The ground trembled faintly again as this time, it was from the distant rumble of approaching beasts.

Cassian’s eyes gleamed coldly as he unsheathed his sword. "Positions."

The Steelheart Knights dispersed instantly, each taking their designated spot. The waterfall’s mist veiled their presence as the shadows of monstrous figures began to emerge through the trees.

The ground shook with the appearance of the first beast that tore through the treeline. It was a colossal bear as big as five meters tall.

Its entire body was covered in mossy fur streaked with glowing emerald patterns that pulsed across its body. With every breath it took, the surrounding plants trembled as if drawn to its will.

Its deep, rumbling growl reverberated through the canyon.

"Wood element," Cassian muttered, his expression calm but his eyes sharp. "Not bad..."